Chiltern Loco-Hauled Services

From the start of the winter timetable, 13th December 2010, Chiltern Railways commenced a few services operated by Loco Hauled Coaching Stock (LHCS), though prior to this were several trains that stood in for unavailable 168 units or ran for timing trials, also test trains for clearances etc. Initially, one train was provided by Wrexham & Shropshire as part of its normal diagram, and the other train was operated by Chiltern with a rather scratch set of stock. Since the demise of WSMR, more stock and locos have become available and the set from Birmingham strengthened to five coaches. It seems more LHCS services will be introduced from the new timetable starting in May 2011, and associated training runs have been taking place between Bicester, Banbury, Birmingham Moor Street and Stourbridge.

Chiltern DVT 82305 leads test train 5R00 into Saunderton station, stopping to test the new power doors on the first refurbished set of Mk.3 coaches. This was the second day the train ran, 10:59 from Wembley LMD to Birmingham Moor Street with 67014 on the rear. 11:57, Tuesday 15th May 2012. Digital Image No. GMPI11740.